Hyomin – ‘Sketch’ Album Review

T-ara’s lead singer Hyomin is back with her second solo album Sketch. In the two years since her last solo album Make Up, Hyomin has been working hard to polish up her musicality. And now, she brings a more sophisticated, more refined, and more extensive taste in music than ever. From Britpop to soft rock, from composing to writing lyrics, Hyomin presents a wide range of genres and shows off the brilliance of her talents in Sketch.

Track 1 – Gold

Album opener Gold immediately gives off a dreamy and hazy vibe with a catchy synth hook, melodious guitar sounds, and weighty drum beats. The chorus is even more whimsical with layers of Hyomin’s velvety vocals echoing in and out with the instrumentals. The composition of Gold reminds me of a haunting alternative rock tune that’s common in the British pop scene (think Ellie Goulding), but refreshingly rare in the Kpop world.

Track 2 – Road Trip

Road Trip begins with a series of charming jingles that quickly transition into a bumpin’ hip hop rhythm. The chorus adds more dosage of brass instruments to accompany a groovy melody line, giving the song a bit more swingy big band vibe. Road Trip has a pleasing musical progression and an interesting backtrack mix.

Track 3 – Sketch

Title track Sketch is a mid-tempo R&B soul number with a broad range of electronic synths and embellishments in the background. Hyomin’s vocals are more sultry in this track compared to previous ones, a perfect pairing to the seductive melody progression. There is also an unanticipated change of beat towards the end that breaks up the flow of the song. Overall Sketch has a nice tune, though one without a highlight and a bit lackluster as the title track of the album.

Track 4 – 아직은 (Still)

This time in Still, things quiet down to a solidary, bending ballad with wistful acoustic guitar and winding violin accompanying a low-pitched and bluesy bass line. As if wandering alone in the streets of an old European town during a dark night, Hyomin’s husky voice conveys the deep hurt and longing in her heart. I particularly like the smooth transitions between the major and minor keys and the unexpected melody progression in this self-composed track, which truly shows Hyomin’s talents as a musician.

Track 5 – 우리의 이야기를 우리만 모르는 채 (Only We Are Unaware of Our Story)

Only We Are Unaware of Our Story is a soft rock song with clear sounding piano chords, gentle acoustic guitar harmonies, and jamming electric guitar solo during the bridge. This track has a melodious uplifting vibe to it as Hyomin sings out the hopefulness of wanting to be together through her soft and airy voice.